Nottingham Forest

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  1. Forest suffer blow in European pushpublished at 17:05 23 February

    Alex Brotherton
    BBC Sport journalist

    Nottingham ForestImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo had mixed feelings about his side's performance at St James' Park.

    His side were "unrecognisable" in the first half as they conceded four times in the space of 11 minutes, but in the second half they looked much more like a team that has European football in their sights.

    Forest netted the opening goal in a Premier League game for the 20th time this season - more than any other side - but gave themselves too much to do after the break.

    "It was a big gap to to try and recover from. The reaction was very good. We gave it our all and we created a lot of chances against Newcastle and believed we could win the game," Espirito Santo told BBC Match of the Day.

    "The reaction was good, I think the team was more recognisable. We played good and were positive going forward. This pleased me the most."

    With back-to-back games against Arsenal and Manchester City coming up, Forest must pick themselves up and go again.

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  2. 'Newcastle were on the ropes'published at 16:27 23 February

    Nuno Espirito SantoImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to Sky Sports: "First half, clearly Newcastle better. Second half was better but unfortunately not enough. Too bad, too soon.

    "It's about trying to settle down, calm down and try to be ourselves. In the first half I didn't recognise our team In the second half we were much better.

    "I don't know, this is what I'm going to work on now. This is a game which is good to reflect on.

    "We made mistakes. Newcastle made mistakes also. But it was two totally different halves. We started well, we scored, and they just rolled over us.

    "There was nothing else in the first half about us. Every time Newcastle had the ball they scored.

    "I wish there was 10 minutes added on. We needed that time. We were on top, Newcastle were on the ropes. With 10 minutes I think we can get something from this game."

  3. Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest: Key statspublished at 16:15 23 February

    Callum Hudson-Odoi of Nottingham Forest scores his team's first goalImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest have lost three of their last four Premier League games (W1), as many as in their previous 16 (W11 D2 L3).

    Since the start of last season, no player has scored more Premier League goals from outside the box than Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi (7), who has scored all four of his league goals this season from outside the penalty area.

  4. Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Nottingham Forestpublished at 11:01 23 February

    Sutton's predictions graphic

    As the BBC's predictions expert I always try to go with my head and not my heart.

    That's what I am doing with this game, which is big for both teams in the battle for the top four.

    I'd love to say my boyhood club, Nottingham Forest, will respond to their defeat at Fulham but this game is actually quite simple for me to predict because I am expecting Newcastle to bounce back from their woeful performance and result against Manchester City last weekend.

    I just think there will be a big reaction from Alexander Isak, who was kept really quiet by City, and a real response from their whole team.

    Sutton's prediction: 2-0

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  5. Why Forest and Bournemouth have golden Champions League chancepublished at 18:45 21 February

    With the Premier League likely to receive five spots in next season's Champions League, former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock tells The Football News Show why this could represent the best chance for a generation for Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth to realise their unlikely European ambitions.

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  6. 'We have great chemistry in the group'published at 18:13 21 February

    Nikola Milenkovic in action for Nottingham ForestImage source, Getty Images

    Nikola Milenkovic has said the togetherness within the Nottingham Forest squad has been a key reason for the team's successful 2024-25 campaign to date.

    Milenkovic, 27, has started 24 of Forest's 25 Premier League games this season after joining from Fiorentina last summer.

    Forest are third in the table with 13 games left, raising hopes of qualification for European competition next season.

    "Our strength is the group," Serbia centre-back Milenkovic told BBC Radio Nottingham. "We are so solid, it's a great atmosphere and we have great chemistry in the group.

    "Everyone who goes on the pitch gives 101%. Eleven players play defensively and 11 players play offensively. Everything we do, we do it together on the pitch."

    Their next three league games are against Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City - all sides alongside them in the top seven.

    Asked about it being an exciting time to be at Forest, Milenkovic added: "We will try to do our best for our incredible fans, who give us very big support playing home or playing away.

    "They really support us, we really feel it and we will try to repay that on the pitch and make them happy."

    Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

  7. Nuno on 'strong' Newcastle, Awoniyi's return and Anderson's development published at 14:49 21 February

    George Booth
    BBC Sport journalist

    Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Newcastle (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Forward Taiwo Awoniyi is available to play after suffering a broken nose in the FA Cup victory over Exeter. Nuno said: "Yes, yes, it is clear on the concussion protocol. So, he is available. He will have to wear a mask, but he is a available."

    • On facing Newcastle: "There is no secret in football. We face a good team and a good manager [Eddie Howe] - a manager who has good players that perform very well. We have to fight and show our talent."

    • On Alexander Isak: "Very good player, but like I said, the squad of Newcastle is very strong in all the positions."

    • Nuno said Forest must be better "all over the place" after being beaten 2-1 last weekend at Fulham. "We have to compete better. That's what we will be trying to do. We are reaching the moment of the season that everyone will be fighting for their own objectives," he added.

    • On midfielder Elliot Anderson, who will face his old team: "He is one of our midfielders who is versatile enough to change positions. He is doing well, but I hope he performs better on Sunday. He has a long way [to go]. He is very young and he is very talented, but there are so many details to improve. You can see that he is doing well."

    • On Forest's season so far: "We have competed well and this is what we expect in the final stage of the season. The games will be more difficult and we have to deal with everything that's all around - the expectations, our own beliefs and moments of the players."

    • Although Nottingham Forest's strong form has slowed down, Nuno said: "I don't change my approach. We have to keep the same routine and approach it day by day - look at all the details which enable us to compete well. This is what we're focused on."

    • On Forest's league position: "We are OK. We are in a good position. We are enjoying ourselves, realising every game is difficult. This is where we are. We are trying to compete till the end and do it well, but always believing that we're in a good position. We have a healthy squad and we have solutions."

    For all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

    Listen to Newcastle v Nottingham Forest on BBC Radio 5 Live at 14:00 on Sunday

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  8. Forest's impressive season 'not a fluke' - Lawspublished at 08:00 21 February

    Nuno Espirito Santo gives instructions from his technical areaImage source, Getty Images

    Former Nottingham Forest defender Brian Laws, speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast: "This season has been remarkable to say the least. It has been brilliant. It has been well deserved and it has not been a fluke.

    "Now we want it to continue because we're starting to feel the vibes that there is potential for Europe."

    Forest are third in the Premier League after 25 games, three points clear of reigning champions Manchester City in fourth.

    On Forest's next three league games, Laws said: "They [Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City] are three daunting teams, aren't they? Normally, we would be looking at this run and thinking: 'Where are we going to get points from?'

    "Actually, we are going into these three games and do we fear these teams? No. We're in a strong position."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  9. Anderson for England?published at 18:41 20 February

    Elliot AndersonImage source, Getty Images

    Former Nottingham Forest defender James Perch, speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast about Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson: "I love him as a player. He can collect the ball from the back four and drive through the midfield, and create or look to shoot himself. He is like an old-school box-to-box midfielder who can do anything.

    "He can play in the 10 position and link up with the striker, but he can also do the defensive work, he can pick up the ball from the back line and dictate play from there."

    Since moving to Forest from Newcastle last summer, Anderson has made 20 Premier League starts, scored one goal and registered five assists.

    Asked if Anderson could break into the England squad, Perch added: "Yes I think so, if he adds goals to his game, I think he's a top, top midfielder and one of the best English players in that position.

    "He knows the more he keeps performing at the level he is now, he will be getting that call-up for England."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  10. 🎧 Fulham fallout, Laws' lowdown and Anderson for England?published at 15:49 20 February

    Shut Up And Show More Football podcast graphic

    A new episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast is available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.

    Elliot Anderson talks to Colin Fray about the season so far, plus hear from former Forest defender James Perch on why he thinks the midfielder will play for England.

    Former Reds defender Brian Laws also joins the podcast to give his predictions for the rest of the campaign.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  11. City Ground to host England match for first time in 84 yearspublished at 17:35 19 February

    A photo from inside the City GroundImage source, Getty Images

    The City Ground is set to host England in a friendly against Senegal in June - the first time a men's senior match has been played at the stadium in 84 years.

    The last time England visited Nottingham Forest's ground was a wartime friendly against Wales in 1941 - a game won 4-1 by the Three Lions. The last time a competitive England match was held there was in 1909, also against Wales.

    "While I know Wembley is our home, I also understand the importance of taking the team around the country when we are able to and the opportunity to experience playing at a famous old English stadium, such as the City Ground, is one we can all look forward to," said new England boss Thomas Tuchel.

  12. Did you know?published at 11:27 19 February

    Chris Wood and Nuno Espirito SantoImage source, Getty Images

    Among all players to have 50 or more shots while playing for a manager on record since 2003-04, Chris Wood under Nuno Espirito Santo has the best shot conversion rate (35%, 29 goals from 83 shots).

  13. 'Anything less than a place in Europe will be disappointing'published at 12:34 18 February

    Pat Riddell
    Fan writer

    Nottingham Forest fan's voice banner
    Nuno Espirito SantoImage source, Getty Images

    It is the business end of the season. We do not know if the next three Premier League games will define Nottingham Forest's season or not, but Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City are the three clubs around us in the table who really threaten our position in the top four.

    Having started off the season thinking a comfortable, mid-table finish would be satisfying - avoiding a relegation battle the minimum target - the Reds have been in the top three for so long now that anything less than a place in Europe will be disappointing.

    Except, we have to be prepared for disappointment... or do we? The complicated Uefa coefficient means England are quite likely to gain a fifth Champions League place next season, meaning eight clubs could qualify for European competition in 2025-26.

    These sorts of permutations are, obviously, a long way from Nuno Espirito Santo's mind as Forest focus on the job in hand. Losing 2-1 at Fulham was not the ideal follow-up to thrashing Brighton 7-0. But then Brighton beating Chelsea 3-0 at the weekend was hardly predicted either.

    The Premier League has occasional seasons where almost anything can happen, and when these kinds of ups and downs occur it can often be in Forest's favour. At the moment, keeping our core squad fit and maintaining the mentality, momentum and belief is all important.

    The fans can be thinking as far ahead as we like - and there is no doubt we all have - but Nuno is always focused on the immediate.

    The back five worked against Brighton to great effect in the absence of Callum Hudson-Odoi, but backfired miserably against Fulham.

    Hopefully we have our first-choice XI fit for the next three games and beyond, and the permutations will be left for other clubs to ponder.

    Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

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  14. Fulham 2-1 Nottingham Forest - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:49 17 February

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    Alex Iwobi  contends for the aerial ball with Ola AinaImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Nottingham Forest.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Fulham fans:

    Bill: A very classy performance from everyone, and nice to do the double over Forest. Wonderful cameo from Willian!

    Michael: I consider it one of the team's best performances of the year.. As an old Fulham fan, it is a delight to watch this - let's be happy! Please keep hold of Marco Silva. We are on the brink of something special over the next few years.

    Derek: Overall we were excellent. Built from a platform in midfield by Sander Berge and the excellent Sasa Lukic. His contribution often goes unnoticed other than the regular yellow cards, but he was immense.

    Wayland: The whole team stepped up to another level, Adama Traore was superb. We should have been out of sight but the Forest keeper was their best player to somehow keep it to 2-1.

    Forest fans:

    Fraser: Difficult away at Craven Cottage. Onwards and upwards for the mighty Reds. Tough games coming with Arsenal and Manchester City to play in next few games. We're still defying the odds!

    John: We got what we deserved. Disappointed as we lost the midfield and created very few chances - Chris Wood doing it all on his own to equalise. Matz Sels was fantastic again, keeping us in it till the end. They always looked like scoring, not us.

    Oliver: From start to finish Forest were not clinical enough and their goal was dodgy as Calvin Bassey slipped. They were too laid back and let Fulham cut right through their defence, play the ball out wide and cross it in. This led to them conceding easy headers. Forest didn't have the composure that Fulham had and this ultimately lead to a shocking performance and a brutal defeat.

    Mike: Credit to Fulham, they played well. But Forest gave this game to them. Tactically, the manager got it wrong and the team spent most of the game playing like they were just trying to hang on. The players looked lethargic and devoid of inspiration. Maybe they should have spent their break in Skegness instead of Dubai?

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  15. Fulham 2-1 Forest: Did Nuno play too safe?published at 19:41 15 February

    Timothy Abraham
    BBC Sport Journalist

    Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo with a pensive expression after their defeat to FulhamImage source, Getty Images

    For the majority of Nottingham Forest's defeat to Fulham, the visitors struggled.

    At times Nuno Espirito Santo's side looked lethargic, lacking in ideas and a little leaky at the back.

    Goalkeeper Matz Sels had another superb performance between the sticks for Forest and had it not been for him the margin of defeat would undoubtedly have been a lot greater.

    Nuno's decision to play five at the back meant Forest were inviting Fulham on to them from the outset as they just looked to hang in the game.

    Chris Wood equalised with the only time he touched the ball in the box during the first 45 minutes, and it was very much against the run of play.

    It was a slightly curious approach for a team who had spanked seven goals past Brighton in their last Premier League game.

    When Nuno introduced Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Forest switched to four at the back, they looked a completely different side.

    There was an immediate energy and urgency to their play, which begs the question why did Nuno play it so safe in the first place?

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